US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is on a 48-hour visit to Togo under the auspices of reinforcement of cooperation between Lome and Washington in the West African country against terrorism, drug trafficking, maritime piracy and cross-border crimes, according to official sources.

His discussions with Togolese leaders will touch on bilateral and multilateral efforts regarding maritime security, the African Partnership Station (APS) and the fight against piracy, officials said on Monday upon his arrival.

Emphasis will be placed on maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and the use of West African nations as bases for reconditioning and re-exportation of drugs towards Europe.

The assistance of the US military to the countries in the region, especially in the area of intelligence and training, will also be examined.